Canon’s flagship camera, the EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR has gone from rumor to reality after the company’s official announcement during the 25th anniversary of its globally established EOS system. The interchangeable lens camera bears many similarities with the recently publicized EOS-1D X, including its DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor and high-performance 61-point High Density Reticular AF array. Due to its improved processing power, however, the EOS 5D Mark III offers up to 6fps of fast continuous shooting, making it more than 50 percent faster than the EOS-1DX. The new camera with its magnesium alloy body, stainless steel lens mount, and dust-and-moisture-resistant design, includes a 22.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.2-inch rear LCD, dual memory card slots, and an extended ISO range of 50 to 102,400 (100 to 25,600 natively).
Continuing the legacy of the EOS 5D Mark II, this newer model features enhanced video features for cinematography, television production, and documentary filmmaking professionals. This includes better noise reduction, longer recording times, improved weather resistance, and an incorporated headphone jack for audio monitoring. It can shoot videos at HD resolutions up to 1080 at 24/25/30p or 720 at 50/60p, and it also has an HDR mode, multiple exposure mode and comparative playback.
The EOS 5D Mark III will be available at the end of March 2012 in a body-only arrangement at an anticipated retail price of USD $3,499 (approximately Php 147,000), and together with the EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens for about USD $4,299 (approximately Php 180,600). There is no confirmation yet on when the camera will be available in the Philippine market, however.
Various new accessories will also be offered soon after the camera’s release. In late April 2012, the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A will be offered for around USD $849 (approximately Php 35,700), the GPS Receiver GP-E2 for USD $390 (approximately Php 16,400), and the Battery Grip BG-E11 for around USD $490 (approximately Php 20,600). At the end of March 2012 though, the Speedlite 600EX-RT and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT will already be available at estimated retail prices of $630 (approximately Php 26,500) and $470 (approximately Php 19,740) respectively.
Those interested in Canon’s new release should definitely check out its full list of specs at www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_5d_mark_iii